Ben Simmons has had quite a bizarre career but may find something new with the Los Angeles Clippers in an impactful role after a solid debut. The former first-overall pick has come to a point of reflection in his career. Simmons is no longer an everyday starter of a team or labeled as “the guy” for a franchise. Accepting a different role while being a former Rookie of the Year and All-Star may be tough. However, it seems to have always been difficult for Simmons to fit in with a squad, whether in Brooklyn or Philadelphia. The move out west makes LA his third team in his seventh season, which may be what he needs. In his debut with LA, the 28-year-old had a 12/7/6 stat line that contributed to a victory over the Utah Jazz.
How Ben Simmons And The Clippers Can Help Each Other
Simmons’s Clippers Debut
Simmons’ teammates have had nothing but good things to say about their new teammate and how he impacts the squad. Not just in his efforts on offense, but his three steals on Thursday for the Clippers fit in well with this Jeff Van Gundy-led defense. Based on the stat sheets, Simmons has had his best all-around performance in his LA debut. In a new phase of his career, joining the Clippers could be a vital turning point for Simmons and the team. This could be a short but promising tenure in LA that could revamp his career.
This season, Simmons posted 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game with the Brooklyn Nets. He also averaged 0.5 blocks and 0.8 steals per game, but his defense has been somewhat inconsistent. Now, with the Clippers, Simmons can find a fulfilling role that will bring out the best in him. Especially since the playoffs are not that far away, he can become a crucial factor in LA’s playoff run.
12 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 3 STLS
Ben Simmons with the strong Clippers debut
pic.twitter.com/saBFoI9M5g
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 14, 2025
Is Simmons The Missing Piece?
The Clippers have been looking for an impactful playmaker like Simmons to come off the bench for some time. As Norman Powell was usually the go-to man off the bench, he has excelled in a starter’s role this season. Simmons isn’t the same player he was before. In his best season in 2018-19, he averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. With an opportunity like this, Simmons could shine as a playmaker and disruptor who can guard every position on the court. Simmons makes LA a dark horse to win the Western Conference.
Simmons’s Rocky Journey Leads to Los Angeles
The Nets ended up in a buyout with Simmons after playing 90 games over the past three seasons. Simmons joined the Nets when he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade in 2022. The trade involved Simmons, who did not play the entire 2021-22 season, being exchanged for current Clippers teammate James Harden. Seemingly, neither team won the trade as Simmons was limited with the Nets, and Harden did not go far in the playoffs with the 76ers. The Australian joins the Clippers on a veteran’s minimum contract.
Simmons has been filled with promise and hope throughout his career, but injuries and other issues have gotten in the way of it. A foot injury kept him from playing his actual rookie season in 2016-17. The following year, Simmons showed signs of his full potential with the 76ers, seemingly playing his best basketball. He only missed four games in his first two seasons in the league with Philadelphia. However, knee soreness and a repetitive back injury, both involving surgery, would heavily prevent Simmons from getting back on the floor consistently. Now, with the Clippers, he can move forward.
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